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1. A. GRAY.

CAN END SORTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATIQN FILED Nov. 22. H916.

3397.3 i ZE-9. @i

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narran enanas rafrnnr ernten.

JAMES A. GRAY, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, ASSIG-NOR TO AMERICAN COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

CAN

CAN-ENDSORTING AIPARATUS.

Griginal application led November 11,

To all whom. it may concern.'

Be it known that I, JAMES A. GRAY, a citizen of the United States, residing at San Francisco, in the county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can- End-Sorting Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

The pre-sent invention relates to an apparatus for sorting can ends and distributing the same according to whether or not ring liners have previously been applied thereto.

In the canning of food products and other materials in the so-callcdlsanitary cans, it sometimes happens thatv for one reason or another, a can end is applied to a can without a ring liner being interposed therebetween, which results in an imperfect seam and a `leaky can. It is necessary, therefore, to inspect each end, to insure the presence of a ring liner in the iange thereof,'before the saine is applied to a can; and since the proces of applying ends to cans is carried on very rapidly, this inspection, if suciently rigid to insure accuracy, necessarily involves considerable expense.

The object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a'n automatic apparatus capable of distinguishing between l' :ed and non-lined can ends, and sorting out the lat-4 ter so that they will not be carried along with the properly lined ends and applied to cans. lt may be applied to any convenient point between theprocess of lining the ends, and that of applying said ends to cans, irrespective of whether these operations are carried on consecutively or not, and may or may not be incorporated in the machines for performing these operations, as convenience or practicability may direct.

In order to comprehend the invention, reference .should be had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a plan view of the sorting apparatus. showinglined can ends being conveyed therethrough.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the same.

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the mechanism for removing the non-lined ends from the conveyer, showing a lined end vpassing therethrough.

Fig. -1- is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a non-lined end being removed from the eonveyer.

Specification of Letters. Patent.

Patented' J une 17, 1912.

In the drawings, the numeral l represents a suitably constructed bed or table, supported in any convenient manner, as by posts 2 and 3. Arranged transverselybeneath this table, one near each end thereof, are two parallel horizontal shafts L1 and 5, journaled in suitable depending brackets 6 and 7, and having fixed thereon the sprocket Wheels 8 andt) respectively. Said sprockets project upwardly through centrally disposed slots 10 and 11 in the table 1, and carry an endless conveyer chain 12, provided with spaced outwardly extending of said chain traveling above the table 1. Power for driving the conveyer chain is ap` plied to a belt pulley 14 carriedby and fixed upon the shaft 4.

Tracks or runways 15 are mounted upon the table l parallel to and on either side of the conveyer chain 12, upon which can ends 16 are adapted to slide. Suitable guide rails lugs 13, the upper run 17 are provided on either side of the tracks 15, to hold the can ends 16 upon said tracks 15 while said ends are being moved along the table by the engagement therewith of the lugs 13 on the conveyor chain 12.

Superimposed a small distance above the table 1, at the discharge end thereof, is a plate 18, carrying a runway 19 for the discharge of unhnedcan ends, and formed with a slot 20 through which the lugs 13 of the l conveyer chain l12 may project. Immediately forward of this plate 18 is mounted a pair of vertically swinglng selector arms 21, above and parallel to the can tracks 15. Said selector arms 21 are carried by short trans?.

verse rock-shafts 22, mounted in suitable bearing supports 23, and carrying at their outer ends the levers 24, said levers being connected together, beneath the table 1, by al counter-weight bar 25.

The selector arms 21 are normally held in a raised, or horizontd position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, by means of alatch 26, which engages a lever 27 carried by one of the rock-shafts 22. In this position of the selector arms 2l, the can ends 16, being moved along the tracks 15 by the conveyer chain 12, pass under said arms 21 and under the upperplate 18, and so out of the sphere of the machine to whatever disposition may be prevideilfor them.

The latch 26 is pivotally supported byra bracket 28, and is normally held in position to engage the lever 27 by a spring 29. An

A electro-magnetj30 is mounted upon the under side of the table'v 1 in such a position that when said magnet is energized, it attracts the latch 26 and draws the same out ofv engagement with the lever 27, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. This allows the selector arms 21 to drop so that their free ends 21 rest in recesses 31 in thecan tracks 15, Fig. 1 of the drawings. When saidarms are in this position, s shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings, a can end 16, advanced along the tracks 15 by the conveyer chain 12,l is carried'up over the selector arms 21 and into the runway 19 of the plate .18', whence it is removed to any suitable place of deposit.

Mounted above the table 1 forward of the selector arms 21 is a transverse rock-shaft 32, Figs. l and 2 of the drawings, carrying a pair of contact fingers 33, insulated from the frame of the machine, and connected by means of a Wire 34 to a suitable source of electric ener indicated at 35, Fig. 2 of the drawings. he contact fingers33 are not mounted rigidly upon the rock-shaft. 32, but are moved therewith by flexible spring connections 36. Said contact fingers 33 are so positioned, that when the shaft 32-is rocked by means of an eccentric 37 upon the'drive shaft 4, theeccentric strap 38 being connected by a rod 39 to a lever zl() on said rockshaft 32, said Contact fingers 33 are lowered into contact with the flange of each can end 16 passing therebeneath. Said can ends,.be'

ing metal, are in electrical contact with the frame of the machine, said :frame being connected through the electro-magnet 30, by a wire il to the other side of the source of electrical energy '35.

As each succeeding can end passes `beneath the contact fingers 33, said fingers are depressed onto the flange thereof. If the can end' be properly lined, no electrical contact will be made between said end and the fingers 33, because thefibrous liners are made of electrically non-conducting material; the magnet. 30 `is therefore not energized, the selector arms 21 remain held up by the latch 26, and the lined can end 16 passes out of the machine on the tracks 15, as in Figs. 1, 2 -and 3 of the drawings. If, however, an unlined can end be brought under the contact-fingered' 33, upon vthe downward movement of Asaid finge1s,'the electric circuit is closed through the wire 34, the fingers 33, theunlined can end 16, the frame of the machine, the wires 4-1 andf'the magnet `30; Said magnet attracts the latch 26; the selector arms 21 are allowed to fall, and the unlined can end rides up over said selector arms onto the plate 18an'd is guided by the runway 19 to a suitable place of deposit separate from that provided for the lined` can ends.

The selector arms21 arereset to theirv horizontal position, immediately after the passage of a can end thereover, by the engagement of an adjustable screw 42 in a pro- ]ectmg lug 43, carried by the eccentric rod 39, with one of theillpvers 24. Thus at every forward movement' of said rod 39, which occurs once for every can end passing through the machine, the selector arms 21 are raised to horizontal position, and remain so/until an unlined can end' passes undeiithe Contact fingers 33.

,I have herein described my invention in the form which is deemed preferable. l am aware, however, that changes may be made in the form and construction of the detailed working parts of the device without in any way adecting the principles of the invention, and I therefore do not wish to be construed as limitingl myself in this regard, but on the contrary, wish to cla-iin the invention as broadly as the state of the art will permit.

This application is a required division of my application Serial No. 60,968, filed November 1915, in which the invention is claimed' ae an automatic asserting mechanism, the present application being for the machine as a selective conveyer irrespective of automatic action. y

Having thus described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is 4 .1. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track for the passage thereover of lined can ends to be sorted; and upwardly acting separating means operated by a can end which has no liner for removing unlinedcan ends from said track and conveying the same to a place of deposit.

2. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track above the same for the passage thercover of can ends to be sorted; and electrically controlled means operated by a can end which has no liner for removing unlined can ends from said track and conveying the same to a place of deposit.

3. A can end sorting apparatus compris` ing a conveyer having a track for the passage thcreover of can ends to be sorted,

swinging selector means for removing unv lined can ends from said track, and means operated by a can end which has no liner for causing the operation of said selector means.

Ll. A can end sorting` apparatus comprising a con Veyer having a track for the passage thercover of can ends to be sorted; a pair of electricallyy controlled selector arms for removing unlined n'can ends from said track, and means operated by a can end which has novliner for causing the operation of said selector arms.

5,. A can end sorting apparatus compris ing a conveyor having a track .for the pas sage thereovenof can ends to be sorted, a pair of swinging selector arms for removing unlinedoan ends from said track, an electromagnet for controlling themovement of said selector arms, and means for energizing said magnet operated by a can end which has no liner.

6. A can end sorting apparatus comprising' a conveyer having a track for the passage thereover of can ends to be sorted, apair of swinging selector arms for removing unlined can ends from said track, devices normally holding said arms ininoperative position, electrically controlled means for releasing said arms to allow the same to fall into operative position, and devices operated by a can end which has no liner for causing the operation of said electrically controlled means.

7. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track i'or the passage thereover of can ends to be sorted, a pair of swinging selector arms for removing unlined can .ends from said track, devices normally holding said arms in inoperative position, electrically controlled means for releasing said arms to allow the same to fall into' operative position, means operated by the conveyer mechanism for raising said arms toinoperative position, and devices operated by a can end which has no liner for causing the operation of said electrically controlled means.

8. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track Ylor the passage. thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a su erposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a` separate place of deposit, andelectrically controlled automatic means for delivering can ends to either track in accordance with Whether said ends areV lined or unlined.

9. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having atrack for the passage thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a pair of swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends from said first track to said second track, and electrically operated automatic devices for controlling the movements of said selector arms.

10. A can end sorting apparatus comprising afconveyer4 having a track for the passage thereover of canv ends to a place of deposit, a superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a pair of swmgmg selector arms tor transferring unlined .ca-n ends from said first track to said second track, means operatedv bythe conve-yer mechanism for raising said arms to inoperative position, and electrically operated automatic devices for releasing said arms lto allow the same to fall into operative position.

11. A can end sorting apparatus comprissing xa conveyor havin atrack for the passage thereover of line can ends to a place of deposit, a superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place ot deposit, a pair of swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends from said iirst mentioned track'to said second track, means operated by the conveyer mechanism for raising said arms to inoperative Lposition, an electro-magnet for releasing sai arms to allow the same to fall into operative position, and means for energizing said magnet comprising a source of electric energy, a contact linger for establishing electrical contact with unlined can ends, and electrical,conductors for completing the circuit.

l2. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track for the pac'- sage thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a pair of swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends from said first mentioned track to said second track, means operatedby the conveyer mechanism for raising said arms to inoperative position, an electro-magnet for releasing said arms to allow the same to tall into ope ative position, and means controlled bythe can end for energizing said magnet, the energizing of said magnet depending upon the absence of liners in the can ends.

13. A can end sorting apparatus compris` ing a track for the passage thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a super posed track for carrying unlined can ends to aseparate place of deposit, a selector mecha` nism for transferring unlined can ends from said iirst mentioned track to said second track, means controlled by the can ends for operating the selector mechanism, the operation of said selector mechanism depending upon the presence or absence ott liners in the can ends, and means for moving said can ends along said tracks.

14. A. can end sorting apparatus comprising a track for the passage thereovcr ot lined can ends to a place 0i' deposit, a supcrposedv track for carrying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a conveyer mechanism for movingthe can ends along said tracks, selecting devices for transferring unlined can ends from said rst mentioned track to said second ltrack, means for raising said selecting devices to inoperative positionI after the passage of each can end, electrically controlled means for releasing said selecting devices to allow the same to fall into operative positionaa contact finger `for controlling said releasing means, said tinger being moved into contact Iwith each can end passing thereunder to establish electrical connection therewith in the absence of a liner therein.

15. A can` end sorting apparatus'comprising a track for the passage thereovcr ot' lined can ends to a place of deposit, a superposed ii/ack for carrying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a conveyor mechanism for moving the can ends along said tracks, selecting` devices ortransferring unlined can ends from said first mentioned track to said second track, means associated with the conveyor mechanism for raising said selecting devices to inoperative position after the passage of each can end, electrically controlled means Jfor releasing said selecting devices to allow the same to liall into operative position, a contact finger for controlling said releasing means, said linger being operated by the conveyer mechanismv to contact with each succeeding can end to establish electrical connection therewith in the absence ot a liner therein.

1G. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a track tor them passage thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a superposed track for carrying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a conveyer mechanism for moving the can ends along said tracks, a pair oit swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends 'from said first track to said second track, means associated with the conveyer mechanism for raising said arms t0 inoperative position after the passage of each can end, electrically controlled means for releasing said arms to allow the same to fall into operative posi tion, a pair of contact lingers for controlling said releasing means, said fingers being operated by the conveycr mechanism to contact with each succeeding can end to establish electrical connection therewith in the absence of a liner therein.

17. An apparatus for separating unlined from lined can ends, the same comprising endless belt carrier means for the ends to be sorted, and means coacting therewith and comprising a contact device adapted to enter within such can ends for separating the unlined from the lined can ends.

18. An apparatus tor separating unlined from lined can ends, the same comprising hinged link carrier means` for the ends to be Sorted, of mechanism associated therewith for controlling the discharge of the ends in accordance as to Whether they are lined or unhned, said mechanism having a contact.-

device actuated by said carrier means and adapted to enter within such can ends.

19. In an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a hinged link carrier for the can ends to be sorted, of electrically controlled means associated therewith for varying the discharge of the ende; in accordance as to whether they are lined or unlined, and having a. Contact device adapted to enter within said canends.

20. l`n an apparatus for the described purpose, the combination with a carrier for the ends to be sorted, of detlectingmeans associated therewith 'l'or separating the unlined ends upwardly lfrom said carrier and from the lined ends, electrical means having a normally open circuit for controlling the delecting means, and devices acting successively on the cam ends for closing said circuit on an unlined can end being engaged thereby.

21. In a can end sorting machine, in combination: a can end. carrier having means for removably holding can ends thereon and upwardly movable therefrom; normally inoperative means for removing can ends from said carrier; means operated by the carrier for making Contact with the lined portion of each can end; and devices Whereby such contact with an unlined can end causes said can end removing means to be operative. c

22. .ln a can end sorting machine, in conibination: an endlessfbelt carier having means for holding can ends thereon at regular intervals; a pivoted Contact device actuated by the carrier to engage Within each can end; an electric circuit which completed by said contact device and an unlined can end; a magnet which is energized by said circuit; and can end removing means which are actuated by said magnet.

23. ln a can end sorting apparatus, in combination: carrying means for successively transporting can ends to a normal place of deposit; a movable device for separating certain of said can ends from said carrying means 4to be removed to a separate place of deposit; and means tor actuating said movable device, comprising an electric circuit which is completed by the metal substance of the can ends.

2l. ln a can end sorting apparatus, in combination: carrying means for succes sively transporting can ends to a normal place of deposit; a movable device Jrer lifting certain of said can ends from said carrying means to be removed to a separat-e place oi' deposit; and electrical means for actuating said movable device, comprising an electric circuit which is completed by the metal substance of the can ends.

25. ln a can end sorting apparatus, in combination; a track on which can ends are adapted to be successively moved to a nor mal place of deposit; means for causing such can ends to be carried along said track; movable arms mounted above said track and ,adapted to be engaged below certain of the can ends to remote them to another place of deposit; and means for actuating said arms.

E26, In a can end sorting apparatus, in

combination: a track on which can ends are adapted to be successively moved to a normal place 'of deposit; means for causing such can endsto be'earried along said. track; movable arms mounted above said track and adapted to be engaged below certain of the can ends to remove them to another place of deposit; and electrical means for actuating said arms.

27. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a oonveyer having a track .for the passage thereover of lined can ends to a place of deposit, a 'superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place of deposit, a pair of swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends from said rst track to said second track, and electrically operated devices for controlling the movements of said selector arms.

28. A can end sorting apparatus comprising a conveyer having a track for the passage thei-eover of can ends to a place of deposit5 a superposed track for conveying unlined can ends to a separate place or' deposit, a pair of swinging selector arms for transferring unlined can ends from said first track to said second track, means operated by the conveyer mechanism for raisdevices for releasing erative position.

In a can end sorting apparatus, in con'lbination: can end carrying mechanism; means for removing can ends therefrom adapted to have an operative position and an inoperative position, means connected with the carrier mechanism for causing said removing means to move :from operative to inoperative position; and means whereby said removing means may be caused to move to operative position.

In testimony `whereof I aix my Ysignature hereto.

' JAMES A. GRAY.

the same to fall-into op 

